SOUTHEND United manager Chris Powell will not be on the bench at Bristol Rovers tomorrow after he was handed a one match touchline ban.

The Shrimpers boss was red carded during the 1-1 draw at Plymouth Argyle earlier this month after clashing with Pilgrims chief Derek Adams.

And Powell’s punishment means he will be in the Memorial Stadium stands tomorrow.

“I was at Wembley for about eight hours on Wednesday and I will be missing from the touchline tomorrow,” said Powell.

“But that’s the only game I’ll miss and I’ll be available for the touchline at home to Charlton the following week.”

Powell picked up the ban after admitting a charge for misconduct and has also been fined £1,250.

However, the 48-year-old will still be able to contact his coaching team on the bench during this weekend’s game.

And he is hoping to see an improved display from his side.

“For the first time this season in the League we didn’t really do ourselves justice on Tuesday night against Luton,” said Powell.

“But lets not dwell on it too much because there’s always another game round the corner and we have that coming up tomorrow.

“You can’t get too down because we have to get ourselves right for the next game and for us that’s Bristol Rovers.”

The Pirates have picked up three points from their first four games of the season.

And Powell knows Rovers will also be desperate to bounce back after a midweek defeat to Portsmouth.

“They will be looking for a reaction,” said Powell.

“They played a good side in Portsmouth and we’ve watched the game already but it’s always a tough place to go.

“They will be looking to bounce back and so will we so it will be interesting to see who blinks first.

“We’ll have to make sure we’re ready for what they will throw at us and be ready to throw something back at them to try and come away with three points.”

But Powell will not be making too many changes.

“If someone has done well in three games but then doesn’t perform in one you don’t just discard them,” he added.